The Silent Watcher

In a city known for its strong neighborhood identities, artist Faith XLVII has created a visual landmark at the gateway to University City in West Philadelphia. The Silent Watcher is 11,000 square feet, standing 19 stories tall, with a series of lights that keep the image visible after dark: a woman looks down with a caring gaze on the east side of University Square, an affordable housing complex for seniors. The use of geometric lines, a color gradient, and contrasting gold accents bring the viewer’s eye upward, bringing a sense of hope and movement toward the future, as well as a calm, enduring strength in the current moment. Faith XLVII was inspired by the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the neighborhood, and included the words “Philadelphia Maneto” from the City’s official seal, meaning “Let Brotherly Love Endure.”